INCOSE Enchantment: June 2024 Meeting
Meeting Topics:
1) Implications of Cultural Differences in the Systems Engineering Professional Competencies
2)System Engineering Challenges at LANL: Modernizing the Systems Thinking Approach
Presenter Names: Dr. Heidi Hahn & Dr. Jose Parga
Date: Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Time: 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM Mountain Time
Venue: Online via ZOOM
Registration: Zoom link is provided in the meeting invitation; contact the POC to request the meeting invitation.
Abstract:
1) Implications of Cultural Differences in the Systems Engineering Professional Competencies
In 2018, the International Council on Systems Engineering introduced a set of competencies for systems engineers in a framework structure that gives guidance as to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors important to systems engineering effectiveness at each of five “levels” of competence, ranging from awareness to expert.
There are five categories of competencies: Core, Technical, Professional, Systems Engineering Management, and Integrating. This paper focuses on the Professional Competencies, specifically on culturally-based characteristics of systems engineers relative to them.
First, though, there is a discussion of why the Professional Competencies are important to System Engineering effectiveness. Culturally-based research is then discussed. Finally, conclusions are drawn as to the importance of improving competence in the Professional Competencies and of how to use them in selecting systems engineers, forming and developing systems teams, and making design decisions using information related to cultural differences in how the Professional Competencies are expressed.
2)System Engineering Challenges at LANL: Modernizing the Systems Thinking Approach
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) stands as a cornerstone in U.S. research, particularly in the realm of national security. Tasked with developing and maintaining the nation’s deterrent system, LANL operates within a meticulously regulated framework, distinct from conventional industry practices. Utilizing the Phase X process, LANL ensures comprehensive stewardship of systems throughout their lifecycle stages, from conception to retirement.
This presentation explores LANL's departure from industry norms, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies like the Digital Thread to enhance decision-making capabilities. Challenges such as system reliability, security in a digitized environment, and workforce transition are addressed, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in systems engineering at LANL.
Speakers:
Dr. Heidi Ann Hahn retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory as Senior Executive Advisor to the Associate Laboratory Director for Weapons Engineering. She had responsibility for engineering capability development including development of processes and tools to promote engineering capability; professional development of R&D engineers and engineering technicians; and engineering capability assessment. Currently, Heidi serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Engineering Management Department at New Mexico Tech. She holds a Ph. D. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (Human Factors Option) from Virginia Tech and is a certified Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Dr. Jose Parga is a Research and Development Engineer focusing on Advanced Systems Development at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Nuclear Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). Dr. Parga has experience in Requirements Engineering, Decision Analysis, Systems Integration, Verification and Validation, and System Operation. He has previous experience working at production agencies while at LANL and Kansas City National Security Campus – New Mexico Operations. Currently, he serves as the team lead for the future systems safety team at LANL.